Bill ties driver's license to visa

JUNEAU — The Alaska House of Representatives approved a bill on Monday that would tie a driver’s license’s validity to the duration of a person’s authorized residency in the United States.

Sponsored by Rep. Bob Lynn, Republican of Anchorage, the bill allows the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicle to issue driver’s licenses valid only for the duration of a person’s visa or, in the case of a person allowed to stay in the country indefinitely, for a period of one year.

The DMV currently issues licenses that must be renewed after five years.

Democrat Rep. Max Gruenberg of Anchorage, one of two lawmakers to vote against the bill, says the law would present an unfair obstacle to new immigrants.